Puglia itinerary – Best places to visit in Puglia in 7, 5 or 3 days

Is a Puglia road trip on your travel list? Are you looking for the best places to visit in the region? In that case, I’m here to guide you through a complete 7-day Puglia itinerary and answer all the questions you may have.

My partner and I embarked on our own Puglia Italy itinerary in 2023. It wasn’t our first time in Italy, but it turned out to be one of our favorite trips.

.

Unfortunately, when you’re trying to figure out how to spend one week in Puglia, most of what you find online focuses on how Instagrammable a place is. But the truth is, some of Puglia’s most memorable spots don’t make it into the typical guides.

So, I’ve put together the ultimate travel guide to 7 days in Puglia so you don’t miss any of those hidden gems, and I’ve also included suggestions for 5-day and 3-day itineraries.

Are you ready to explore your next southern Italy adventure? Grab a coffee (or tea), and let’s dive into what might just become one of the best trips you’ve ever taken.

What is Puglia and why visit?

You probably already know that Italy is shaped like a boot. Well, Puglia (also called Apulia in English) is the heel of that boot.

This is where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It’s very different from other parts of Italy and looks nothing like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre.

Towns and cities here each have their own unique charm which will make your Puglia road trip varied and super fun.

Another plus is that you won’t find the crowds of Rome or Venice here (except for at Alberobello).

The restaurants are incredible, too. Italian food is fantastic in general, but in Puglia, you have handmade orecchiette, burrata so fresh it melts, and seafood pulled straight from the water that morning. 

And then there’s the incredible landscape: cliffs dropping into turquoise water, trulli houses scattered across Valle d’Itria, and endless fields of olive trees. 

Puglia feels genuinely authentic. You won’t find big hotels or shopping malls here, just towns and countryside that have stayed true to themselves.

How many days in Puglia?

I’d recommend staying at least 7 days in Puglia. And even then, you won’t see all of the region. 

I will make some suggestions on what to include in shorter itineraries (3 and 5 days) but if you can, try to extend your trip to a week.

If 3 days is all you have, focus on a few highlights that are close together and be prepared to plan a second or even third trip to see the rest.

Best places to stay in Puglia

We booked a different stay each night to stay near the towns we were visiting.

Staying closer to the towns you’re visiting lets you see parts of Puglia you might otherwise miss. Plus, you spend less time drivingalberobello

between stops.

In the itinerary below you’ll find recommendations for the best stays for each day.

One week in Puglia – 7-day road trip itinerary

Here’s a 7-day road trip itinerary through Puglia that makes sense logistically. It starts at Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS), heads north through the region, loops inland to Matera, and then circles back south toward Brindisi.

Day 1 – Ostuni

The whitewashed village of Ostuni is the closest major stop from Brindisi and a perfect first day and night to settle in. It’s about 25 miles (40.2 km), roughly a 40-minute drive, mostly on the SS379, from Brindisi. 

Once you’re there, it’s easy to see why people make the trip. The old town is the highlight. It has a lot of narrow winding streets and stone staircases. 

Like most other towns in Puglia, Ostuni is compact, so you can easily visit on foot. Or join this fun TukTuk tour for the best experience.

It actually feels more Spanish than traditionally Italian. That’s because entire historic center is painted in bright lime white, much like villages in southern Spain.

If you arrive early enough make sure to join this Oil tasting & tour!

Go to the top of the hill, to the Cattedrale di Ostuni. From here, the views over the surrounding countryside and olive fields are impressive. 

Ostuni is a town that is both lived-in and photogenic. However, because it’s so small, a few hours here is enough, which is why it’s such a perfect spot to visit when you’re just coming from the airport.

Day 2 – Cisternino, Locorotondo, Alberobello

Cisternino

On your second day in Puglia, you leave Ostuni in the morning and drive to Cisternino, which is a roughly 25-minute drive along the SP14. 

Cisternino is a small town, but it’s a good stop when you’re only in Puglia for a week because it has that classic Valle d’Itria charm without feeling crowded.

The old town is compact enough to walk through, with narrow alleys and white houses. And if you like pasta, you’ll love this pasta making class in Cisternino

Many people say the highlight is wandering the butcher shops that double as little grills. Locals cook meat right in front of you, and you can grab a quick snack. I’m a vegetarian, though, so I skipped this part.

Locorotondo

From Cisternino, it’s a short eight-mile (20-minute) drive to Locorotondo. 

This town is famous for its circular layout. The name literally means “round place.”

Walking its streets gives you that classic Apulian hill town feel. The whitewashed buildings are trimmed with green shutters, and the balconies often have laundry or flowers. 

Definitely take some time to stroll along the top of the town walls for views over the surrounding valley: a beautiful panorama of olive groves, vineyards, and trulli.

Alberobello

After Locorotondo, it’s just six miles (about 15 minutes) to the famous town of Alberobello. This a must visit in Puglia!

To make the most of your limited time in Alberobello make sure to join this Guided trulli tour.

The famous trulli are cone-shaped white stone houses unique to Alberobello.

Alberobello is divided into two parts: Rione Monti and Aia Piccola. One is more touristy, with lots of souvenir shops, while the other has a more local feel.

Since Alberobello is so famous, it can get extremely crowded here, which takes away some of its charm. Still, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Spend the night in one of the trulli if you can. There are plenty of accommodation options available.

Day 3 – Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Conversano

Monopoli

Monopoli is an easy 25-minute drive, about 12 miles (20 km), mostly along the SP113, from Alberobello. 

It’s a good first stop because it wakes up early and has real local life. Park near the old harbor if you can, because it’s close to everything. 

The historic center of Monopoli is compact and perfect for getting lost on foot.

Walk along the old city walls, check out the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia, and follow the narrow lanes down to Cala Porta Vecchia, a small beach that feels built right into the town.

Grab a coffee or something quick to eat near the port. And since you’re on the coast, what do you say to a little boat trip?

Join this boat tour to Polignano a Mare and the caves, seeing them from the water is a completely different experience! Also, you won’t have to think about parking in Polignano a mare which can be hard in high season.

In all fairness, Monopoli was my least favorite stop in Puglia. However, a friend had told me it was a must in the region, but it just didn’t click for me the way it did in other towns.

Polignano a Mare 

From Monopoli, it’s just a 10-minute drive (5 miles / 8 km) north along the SP90 to Polignano a Mare (or you can visit by boat from Monopoli).

This is the town you see on every TikTok video or Instagram photo about Puglia, and you’ll instantly see why: the views are jaw-dropping.

Once you’ve found a parking spot in the center of town, head straight for Lama Monachile, the famous cove everyone photographs. It’s busy, but worth seeing in person.

There are many more sea caves, cliffs and coves worth exploring that are only accessible by boat. Join this speedboat tour, you won’t regret it!

You can walk across the bridge for the view from above, then wander through the old town. Like Monopoli, Polignano a Mare is small and easy to visit on foot in an hour or two.

Polignano is also a great place to have lunch or to drink a glass of chilled local wine (leaving the region without tasting their Primitivo wine is a crime). And it goes without saying that you should do this with a view of the famous Polignano cliffs.

If the weather allows, you’ll want to spend some time on the beach of Lama Monachile, also known as Cala Porto. It’s a small cove tucked between high limestone cliffs, and it feels completely different from any other beach in the region.

Spending at least an hour here is worth it just to take in the scale of the cliffs and the color of the water, which is an almost unreal shade of blue.

Cozze (optional)

After Polignano, you can drive inland to Conversano, about 15 minutes away (7 miles / 11 km) on the SP121 or you can take the short detour via Cozze

Cozze in Puglia is not one of the main stops on your itinerary, but it’s a unique experience in its own right. You’ll see fishermen catching fresh fish right on the beach (and a clowder of stray cats snagging a bite whenever they can).

It’s not particularly photogenic, but the prices are much lower, and you’ll find high-quality places to stay for much less than in the tourist towns. Plus, it’s right between Polignano a Mare and Bari, easy to reach yet still completely under the radar.

Conversano

Never have I seen Conversano mentioned on a Puglia itinerary, and that’s a true shame because it ended up being our favorite town in Puglia. It’s a very lively city, with a lot of restaurants and bars and an active nightlife.

We would never even have gone there, be it not for our friendly host at B&B Donna Isabella and we loved it so much that we carved out an extra day on our itinerary, even skipping other famous parts of the region, to return to Conversano!

This is the perfect place to try some of the local delicacies! Join this food tour or book this picnic in the grooves.

Conversano doesn’t get the same tourist traffic as Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, but you’ll notice straight away that locals love it here.

Finding a place to park is really easy here. You can park near the center, right next to the Cathedral, and that’ll put you in close proximity to everything.

Definitely walk up to the Castello Aragonese, which anchors the old town. There’s also a beautiful cathedral nearby, and a few relaxed cafés around Piazza XX Settembre. We had the best pizza at Vita Pugliese.

Day 4 – Bari

Bari is about 20 miles from Conversano (roughly a 35–40 minute drive along the SS16).

Bari is a much larger city compared to the other towns we’ve visited in Puglia. Still, it’s easy enough to explore in a day, and it’s worth it if you want a mix of history, local life, and a real sense of Puglia’s urban side. 

Consider joining this walking tour for the smoothes experience and local insight.

In the old town, Bari Vecchia, narrow lanes twist between stone houses, laundry hangs overhead, and small piazzas open up where you least expect it. 

You’ll see locals make handmade orecchiette right in the streets. Small shops or even stalls will shape the pasta by hand, and you can watch the process up close.

It’s easy to buy some to take with you, or you can learn to make them yourself on this cooking class!

The Basilica di San Nicolais is a highlight. It’s historically important and the architecture is absolutely stunning.

Next, you can walk along Via Venezia. The seafront promenade gives you a feel for how locals live, and you can stop at a café for coffee or a quick bite.

Bari also has a few lively markets worth seeing, especially the Pescheria by the port, where you can watch fishmongers at work. 

The combination of old streets, historic buildings, and a working port makes Bari a different pace from the hill towns, but it fits well in a week-long Puglia itinerary because it gives context to the region beyond the tourist spots. 

By late afternoon, grab a seat at one of the local trattorias for dinner or join this street food tour.

Not sure what to eat in Bari? Try spaghetti all’assassina (literally “assassin’s spaghetti”), also commonly called spaghetti bruciati (“burnt spaghetti”).

It’s a specialty from Bari and the surrounding area in Puglia, and it’s essentially spaghetti cooked with olive oil, garlic, chili, and sometimes bottarga, then lightly toasted or “burnt” in the pan to give it a smoky, crispy flavor that adds depth and intensity to the pasta.

Day 5 – Matera

Putting Matera on a Puglia itinerary is a bit like cheating, because it’s officially part of Basilicata, not Puglia. However, it’s so close that skipping it would be one of the biggest travel mistakes you could make. 

The drive from Bari to Matera is about 41 miles (66 km) and a little over an hour along the SS96. Or join this guided tour from Bari if you need a break from driving.

The road takes you inland through open countryside, and then, almost suddenly, Matera appears, carved into the rock, literally something out of another century.

If you’re short on time, focus on the Sassi of Matera rather than the modern city above. That’s where the real beauty is and is best experienced on this walking tour with a local guide.

In the Sassi, you can walk through narrow stone alleys, past churches carved into rock and terraces overlooking the ravine. You’ll instantly realize there’s nowhere else in Italy (or elsewhere in the world) quite like it. 

Also, don’t miss the chance to eat in one of the cave restaurants, both inside for the full atmosphere and outside with a view of the Sassi lit up at night. Yes, that means eating out twice in a day, but the food here is so good you won’t regret it for a second.

Spending a day and night in Matera gives you more than enough time to take it all in. However, my partner and I loved it so much here that we decided to extend our stay and spend two nights here. Not necessary but pure indulgence.

Day 6 – Martina Franca

Leave Matera in the morning and then head back to Puglia, to Martina Franca, which is about a 50-mile drive or roughly an hour and a half on the SS7.

Martina Franca is larger than it looks, and the old town is stunning with whitewashed buildingsa and late Baroque details and little squares. 

The historic center is completely pedestrian. You can park outside the old walls and wander in on foot.

Martina Franca is also known for its food scene, especially the Capocollo di Martina Franca (IGP), the town’s claim to fame. A smoked, air-cured pork collar made with local spices and slow-aging in oak and beech wood smoke. It’s ually served thinly sliced as antipasto.

If meat isn’t your thing (or if you simply love burrata), make sure to try some artisanal burrata made locally, usually sold fresh in caseifici (cheese shops), or you can even join this Mozzarella and Burrata Farm Tour & Tasting.

Day 7 – Brindisi

To be honest, Brindisi isn’t the kind of place you need to go out of your way for. It just doesn’t have the same charm or wow factor as the other towns in Puglia. 

But if you’re already here before your flight, you can spend a couple of hours getting a feel for it. 

From Martina Franca, it’s about 42 miles, roughly an hour’s drive on the SS7, a route that takes you straight toward the coast and the airport.

The city itself feels more local and practical than touristic, with its life centered around the harbor. 

You can take a walk along the waterfront promenade, where you’ll see ferries coming and going and locals out for a stroll. 

The Roman Column, which once marked the end of the ancient Appian Way, still stands by the sea, and nearby you can visit the Cathedral and the quiet piazza around it.

If you have time for one last meal, Brindisi has some solid seafood places right by the water; nothing fancy, but fresh and straightforward. 

It might not be a hightlight, but it’s a calm way to end the trip before heading to the airport, which is just a few minutes away.

Puglia itinerary – 5 days

Day 1 – Bari

Arrive in Bari, explore the city.

Day 2 – Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Conversano

Morning drive to Polignano, then continue to Monopoli for a quick stop. Spend the evening and night in Conversano.

Day 3 – Alberobello, Locorotondo, Matera

Head inland to Alberobello and Locorotondo. You can drive to Matera in the late afternoon, have dinner with a view on the Sassi, and spend the night in a cave hotel.

Day 4 – Matera and Ostuni

Spend the day exploring Matera. Return to Puglia in the afternoon and stop in Ostuni.

Day 5 – Martina Franca and Brindisi

If you have time before your flight, visit Martina Franca for one last stop. Then head to Brindisi Airport to catch the plane.

Puglia itinerary – 3 days

If you only have 3 days in Puglia consider basing yourself in Bari and exploring the area on organized tours.

This way you get to relax while someone else drives and navigates, and you get to enjoy without the messy logistics or wrong turns.

Day 1 – Bari and Conversano

Arrive in Bari and spend the day exploring the city. Since Bari is large, it deserves plenty of time.

In the late afternoon or evening, head to Conversano for a visit of the castle and dinner in town.

Day 2 – Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello

Drive from Bari to Polignano a Mare in the morning. Spend a few hours in Polignano, then head to nearby Monopoli. 

In the evening, go to Alberobello to spend the night in one of their famous cone-shaped houses.

Day 3 – Alberobello, Locorotondo, Brindisi

Spend the morning exploring Alberobello.

Then make a quick stop in Locorotondo (if you have the time) before heading to Brindisi Airport for departure.

Getting to Puglia

We flew into Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) and started our Puglia road trip from there. It’s a very convenient location for exploring the region and makes it easy to follow the itinerary I’ve laid out. 

That said, there are other airport options if they work better for you, though you’ll need to adjust your travel itinerary a bit.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) is closer to Bari and is a great choice if you want to focus on towns like Bari, Conversano, and Matera.

There is also Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (FOG) in northern Puglia. It has fewer flights than Bari or Brindisi, but it’s an option if you’re heading to that part of the region.

Getting Around Puglia

I strongly recommend renting a car. Roads are easy to navigate in Puglia and parking is manageable outside the big cities.

Driving also gives you the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye, which happens a lot in Puglia.

If you’re sticking to main cities, the train network works well. Trenitalia and Ferrovie del Sud Est run regular, affordable routes connecting these hubs to smaller towns like Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni, and Alberobello. Trains are reliable and air-conditioned, but they don’t always run late into the evening.

Once you leave the main lines, trains get sparse. That’s when buses fill in. However, bus schedules can be inconsistent, especially on weekends or in small villages.

Best time to visit Puglia

We visited Puglia at the end of September, and it turned out to be the perfect time to go. The temperatures were much milder, and the towns were far less crowded than during the summer months.

April or May are also excellent. 

On the other hand, I’d avoid the busy summer months. It gets too hot, and the towns are packed with tourists. Winter isn’t great either as Puglia can be rainy, and the small towns may have limited services or closed restaurants.

Additional tips for visiting Puglia

You really need a laid-out itinerary. My partner and I like to explore spontaneously, but even with a rough plan, we missed several must-see spots. Stick to an itinerary and adjust slightly as you go. If you don’t like a place, spend less time there, or combine two days into one.

Also, the different towns in Puglia can look close on the map, but driving takes time, and it’s easy to underestimate. 

If you’re in Italy for more than one week, know that it’s easy to drive from Puglia to Naples, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast, especially if you include a stop in Matera along the way.

Is Puglia worth visiting?

My partner and I absolutely loved Puglia, and we enjoyed exploring the region by road rather than staying in one place. While some places are over-hyped, others I would go back to in a heartbeat.

What do you consider the best places to visit on a Puglia road trip? Which ones would you skip? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.